This collection is comprised of digital images from court records at the Register of Wills in Maryland. This collection will include records from 1629 to 2010. The collection includes records from 1629 to 2010. This collection is being published as images become available. The included dates and exact offices vary by county. Additional details will be added as they become available.

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This collection is comprised of digital images from court records at the Register of Wills in Maryland. The collection includes records from 1629 to 2010. The records are arranged by county and then by date. The included dates and exact offices vary by county. Additional details will be added as they become available.

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For a list of records by localities and dates currently published in this collection, select the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/image/index#uri=https%3A//api.familysearch.org/records/collection/1803986/waypoints Browse] link from the collection landing page.

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{{Collection_Browse_Link

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|CID=CID1803986

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|title=Maryland, Register of Wills Books, 1629-1999

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==== Coverage Table ====

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=== Coverage Table ===

The Coverage Table shows the places and time periods covered in the indexed records for this collection. Most of the records in the collection are from the time periods listed in the table; however, the collection may have a few records from before or after the time period.<br>

The Coverage Table shows the places and time periods covered in the indexed records for this collection. Most of the records in the collection are from the time periods listed in the table; however, the collection may have a few records from before or after the time period.<br>

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=== Citation for This Collection ===

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The following citation refers to the original source of the information published in FamilySearch.org Historical Records collections. Sources include the author, custodian, publisher and archive for the original records.

[[Maryland, Register of Wills Books (FamilySearch Historical Records)#Citation_Example_for_a_Record_Found_in_This_Collection|Suggested citation format for a record in this collection.]]

== Record Content ==

== Record Content ==

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== How to Use the Records ==

== How to Use the Records ==

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To search the collection you will need to follow this series of links:<br>⇒Select the "Browse" link in the initial search page<br>⇒Select the "Name of County" category<br>⇒Select the "Volume Title and Year" category<br>which takes you to the images<br>

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To begin your search you will need to know:

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Look at the images one by one comparing the information with what you already know about your ancestors to determine which one is your ancestor. You may need to compare the information about more than one person to make this determination.

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Probate records are arranged by county and then by date. To begin your search you will need to know:

*The place of residence

*The place of residence

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*The name of the deceased

*The name of the deceased

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Compare the information you find in the probate records to what you already know about your ancestors to determine which record is about your ancestor. You may need to compare the information of more than one person to make this determination.

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=== Search the Collection ===

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When you have located your ancestor’s record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details that can lead you to other records about your ancestors. Add this new information to your records of each family.

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To search the collection you will need to follow this series of links:<br>⇒Select the "Browse" link in the initial search page<br>⇒Select the "Name of County" category<br>⇒Select the "Volume Title and Year" category<br>which takes you to the images<br>

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For example:

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Look at each image comparing the information with what you already know about your ancestors to determine if the image relates to them. You may need to look at several images and compare the information about the individuals listed in those images to your ancestors to make this determination. Keep in mind:

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*There may be more than one person in the records with the same name.

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*You may not be sure of your own ancestor’s name.

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*Your ancestor may have used different names or variations of their name throughout their life.

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=== Using the Information ===

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When you have located your ancestor’s record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details that can lead you to other records about your ancestors. Add this new information to your records of each family. For example:

*Use probate records to identify heirs and relatives.

*Use probate records to identify heirs and relatives.

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*You may be able to use the probate record to learn about adoptions or guardianship of any minor children and dependents.

*Use the document (such as the will) or the recording dates to approximate a death date.

*Use the document (such as the will) or the recording dates to approximate a death date.

*Use the information in the probate record to substitute for civil birth and death records since the probates exist for an earlier time period.

*Use the information in the probate record to substitute for civil birth and death records since the probates exist for an earlier time period.

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*You may be able to use the probate record to learn about land transactions.

*Use the birth date or age along with the residence or place of birth of the deceased to locate census, church, and land records.

*Use the birth date or age along with the residence or place of birth of the deceased to locate census, church, and land records.

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*Use the occupations listed to find other types of records such as employment or military records.

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*Use the occupations listed to find other types of records such as employment or military records.

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=== Tips to Keep in Mind ===

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*You may be able to use the probate record to learn about land transactions, adoptions or guardianship of any minor children and dependents.

*Compile the entries for every person who has the same surname as the deceased; this is especially helpful in rural areas or if the surname is unusual.

*Compile the entries for every person who has the same surname as the deceased; this is especially helpful in rural areas or if the surname is unusual.

*Continue to search the records to identify children, siblings, parents, and other relatives who may have died in the same county or nearby. This can help you identify other generations of your family or even the second marriage of a parent. Repeat this process for each new generation you identify.

*Continue to search the records to identify children, siblings, parents, and other relatives who may have died in the same county or nearby. This can help you identify other generations of your family or even the second marriage of a parent. Repeat this process for each new generation you identify.

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*When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct.

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*When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct.

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Keep in mind:

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*Wills are more likely to be found in rural communities than in larger cities and industrial areas.

*Wills are more likely to be found in rural communities than in larger cities and industrial areas.

*The information in the records is usually reliable, but depends upon the reliability of the deceased or the testator.

*The information in the records is usually reliable, but depends upon the reliability of the deceased or the testator.

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*There is also some variation in the information given from one record to another record.

*There is also some variation in the information given from one record to another record.

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If you are unable to find the ancestors you are looking for, try the following:

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=== Unable to Find Your Ancestor? ===

*Check for variant spellings of the surnames.

*Check for variant spellings of the surnames.

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*Search the indexes and records of nearby counties.

*Search the indexes and records of nearby counties.

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For a summary of this, information see the wiki article [[United States, How to Use the Records Summary (FamilySearch Historical Records)|United States, How to Use the Records Summary (FamilySearch Historical Records)]]. <br>

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For a summary of this, information see the wiki article [[United States, How to Use the Records Summary (FamilySearch Historical Records)|United States, How to Use the Records Summary (FamilySearch Historical Records)]].

==== Additional Information About these Records ====

==== Additional Information About these Records ====

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The death date, residence, and other facts that were current at the time of the probate proceedings are reliable, but realize that there is still a chance of misinformation. The records may omit the names of deceased family members or those who had previously received an inheritance. In some cases, the spouse mentioned in the will was not the parent of the children mentioned. Also, some wills do not name family members. <br>

The death date, residence, and other facts that were current at the time of the probate proceedings are reliable, but realize that there is still a chance of misinformation. The records may omit the names of deceased family members or those who had previously received an inheritance. In some cases, the spouse mentioned in the will was not the parent of the children mentioned. Also, some wills do not name family members. <br>

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{{FHL Search Tip

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== Known Issues with This Collection ==

== Known Issues with This Collection ==

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== Contributions to This Article ==

== Contributions to This Article ==

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{{Contributor invite}}<br>

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{{Contributor invite}}

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== Citing FamilySearch Historical Collections ==

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== Citation for This Collection ==

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When you copy information from a record, you should list where you found the information. This will help you or others to find the record again. It is also good to keep track of records where you did not find information, including the names of the people you looked for in the records.

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{{Record Citation Link

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|CID=CID1803986

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|title=Maryland, Register of Wills Books, 1629-1999

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A suggested format for keeping track of records that you have searched is found in the wiki article [[Help:How to Cite FamilySearch Collections]].

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The following citation refers to the original source of the information published in FamilySearch.org Historical Records collections. Sources include the author, custodian, publisher and archive for the original records.

Record Description

This collection is comprised of digital images from court records at the Register of Wills in Maryland. The collection includes records from 1629 to 2010. The records are arranged by county and then by date. The included dates and exact offices vary by county. Additional details will be added as they become available.

Coverage Table

The Coverage Table shows the places and time periods covered in the indexed records for this collection. Most of the records in the collection are from the time periods listed in the table; however, the collection may have a few records from before or after the time period.

County

Years Covered in Index

Allegany

1790-1852

Anne Arundel

1777-1884

Baltimore

1664-1863

Caroline

1838-1940

Carroll

1837-1852

Cecil

1851-1940

Charles

1629-1947

Frederick

1737-1896

Garrett

not available

Harford

1774-1948

Howard

1840-1873

Kent

1664-1948

Montgomery

1777-1851

Prince George's

1796-1940

Queen Anne's

1833-1940

Somerset

1664-1948

St. Mary's

1658-1946

Talbot

1668-1900

Washington

1777-1852

Wicomico

1868-1940

Worcester

1665-1853

Baltimore City

not available

Record Content

Maryland Probate Documents Examples

Probate record #1

Probate record #2

Probate record #3

Will record

Probate records include petitions, inventories, wills, guardianships, accounts, decrees, and other court documents. Information found in this collection may include:

Name of the testator or deceased

Names of heirs, such as a spouse, children, relatives, and friends

Name of the executor, administrator, or guardian

Names of witnesses

Residence of the testator

Dates the documents were written and recorded

How to Use the Records

To begin your search you will need to know:

The place of residence

The approximate death or probate date

The name of the deceased

Search the Collection

To search the collection you will need to follow this series of links:⇒Select the "Browse" link in the initial search page⇒Select the "Name of County" category⇒Select the "Volume Title and Year" categorywhich takes you to the images

Look at each image comparing the information with what you already know about your ancestors to determine if the image relates to them. You may need to look at several images and compare the information about the individuals listed in those images to your ancestors to make this determination. Keep in mind:

There may be more than one person in the records with the same name.

You may not be sure of your own ancestor’s name.

Your ancestor may have used different names or variations of their name throughout their life.

Using the Information

When you have located your ancestor’s record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details that can lead you to other records about your ancestors. Add this new information to your records of each family. For example:

Use probate records to identify heirs and relatives.

Use the document (such as the will) or the recording dates to approximate a death date.

Use the information in the probate record to substitute for civil birth and death records since the probates exist for an earlier time period.

Use the birth date or age along with the residence or place of birth of the deceased to locate census, church, and land records.

Use the occupations listed to find other types of records such as employment or military records.

Tips to Keep in Mind

You may be able to use the probate record to learn about land transactions, adoptions or guardianship of any minor children and dependents.

Compile the entries for every person who has the same surname as the deceased; this is especially helpful in rural areas or if the surname is unusual.

Continue to search the records to identify children, siblings, parents, and other relatives who may have died in the same county or nearby. This can help you identify other generations of your family or even the second marriage of a parent. Repeat this process for each new generation you identify.

When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct.

Wills are more likely to be found in rural communities than in larger cities and industrial areas.

The information in the records is usually reliable, but depends upon the reliability of the deceased or the testator.

Earlier records may not contain as much information as the records created after 1900.

There is also some variation in the information given from one record to another record.

Unable to Find Your Ancestor?

Check for variant spellings of the surnames.

Check for a different index. There are often indexes at the beginning of each volume.

Additional Information About these Records

Each county began keeping probate records from the time the county was created. Orphan’s Court was the name of the probate court at the county level. Probate records were generally recorded in the county where the person lived. Estates were probated for approximately 25 percent of the heads of households in the United States before 1900, whether or not the individual left a will. Wills were more likely to have been found in rural communities than in larger cities and industrial areas.

Probate records were used to legally dispose of a person’s estate after his or her death. If the deceased had made a will, the probate process transferred the following from the deceased to an executor or executrix: the legal responsibility for payment of taxes, care and custody of dependent family members, liquidation of debts, and transfer of property title to heirs. If there was no will, the transfer went to an administrator or administratrix. A guardian or conservator was appointed if the deceased had heirs younger than 21 or if the heirs were incompetent due to disability or disease.

The death date, residence, and other facts that were current at the time of the probate proceedings are reliable, but realize that there is still a chance of misinformation. The records may omit the names of deceased family members or those who had previously received an inheritance. In some cases, the spouse mentioned in the will was not the parent of the children mentioned. Also, some wills do not name family members.

Known Issues with This Collection

For a full list of all known issues associated with this collection see the attached Wiki article. If you encounter additional problems, please email them to support@familysearch.org. Please include the full path to the link and a description of the problem in your e-mail. Your assistance will help ensure that future reworks will be considered.

Related Websites

Related Wiki Articles

Contributions to This Article

We welcome user additions to FamilySearch Historical Records wiki articles. We are looking for additional information that will help readers understand the topic and better use the available records. We also need translations for collection titles and images in articles about records written in languages other than English. For specific needs, please visit WikiProject FamilySearch Records.

Please follow these guidelines as you make changes. Thank you for any contributions you may provide.

Citation for This Collection

The following citation refers to the original source of the information published in FamilySearch.org Historical Records collections. Sources include the author, custodian, publisher and archive for the original records.